Overview | Eligibility | Apply | Selection

Overview

Basic Physician Training (BPT) in Adult Medicine is available in South Australia within 3 Local Health Networks (LHNs):

• Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) | A level 3 training facility that accommodates 3 years of training
• Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) | A level 3 training facility that accommodates 3 years of training
• Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) | Comprised of:
  
  • Royal Adelaide Hospital (level 3)
  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital (level 2)
  • Hampstead Rehabilitation Hospital (local secondment)

CALHN provides excellent clinical exposure to general medicine and a range of subspecialties. CALHN’s program includes rural rotations to Alice Springs and Whyalla Hospitals.

Recruitment and allocation of Resident Medical Officer (RMO) positions (Postgraduate Year 2 and above) occurs on an annual basis in South Australia. Recruitment is a centralised process administered by South Australian Medical Education and Training (SA MET) on behalf of the South Australian Department of Health and South Australian LHNs.

SA MET isn’t the employing body and doesn’t provide employment contracts. Contracts are provided by relevant hospitals and networks.

Eligibility

To be eligible for BPT, you must:

• hold general registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• have an interest in physician training as a career

You’ll need to demonstrate:

• an understanding of the challenges facing health care
• interest in medicine and patient-centered care
• a mature self-reflective learning style

If you’re an intern, you can apply to commence BPT in the year following your internship.

Apply

Applications for RMO positions must be completed online through SA Health Careers.

To apply for training, visit SA Health and submit a single expression of interest with up to 4 preferences for positions. Your application must include:

• curriculum vitae (CV)
• cover letter
• contact details for at least 2 clinical referees
• recommendation letter from your current Director of Physician Education (DPE) outlining your progression through training

Your CV should include a description of your previous experience. Involvement in quality improvement, audit projects and research experience are welcomed. You can also include a brief mention of your interests outside of medicine.

Your cover letter should be a single A4 page and include:

• a clear explanation of why this specific position interests you
• characteristics or skills that make you an attractive candidate for this position or differentiate you from other candidates
• a brief description of your understanding of the training requirements for the BPT program
• a brief description of your previous clinical experience and future career plans or goals

You must notify the DPE of your preferred area health network (CALHN, NALHN or SALHN) of your intention to apply.

For more information on applying, see the SA Met 2024 information pack (PDF).

Selection

You’re ranked according to your CV, referee reports and interview.

The interview is more heavily weighted than other components. You’ll be notified by email at least 1 week prior to the interview.

Interview preparation should include:

• developing some understanding of SA Health as an organisation, the various demographics within SA and the services provided within each LHN
• consideration about why the training position is attractive, why you’ve applied specifically for BPT and how the you see this position contributing to your future career goals
• acquiring some background knowledge on current challenges and recent developments in health care, specifically in medicine
• consideration for skills the you’ll bring to the role, your maturity and ability to reflect on your own practice and learning.

Related information

Medical Recruitment with SA Health
SA MET 2024 positions
SA MET 2024 information pack (PDF)
Aboriginal Health Scholarship Program
Aboriginal health professional

SA Health values and respects the needs and contributions of SA Health Aboriginal staff and clients, and commit to the development of Aboriginal cultural competence across all SA Health practice and service delivery.